Large crowds of Hindu pilgrims in India gathered to bathe in sacred waters on Monday as the Kumbh Mela festival kicked off, with an estimated 400 million attendees expected, marking it as the world’s largest gathering of people.
The ancient Kumbh Mela, renowned for its religious significance and ritual bathing, takes place at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. As dawn broke, pilgrims flocked eagerly to the waters, expressing profound joy in their spiritual experiences.
“This is an unmissable occasion for me as a Hindu,” shared one enthusiastic participant, who traveled over 1,000 kilometers from Madhya Pradesh to be part of this monumental festival, scheduled to run until February 26.
Saffron-robed monks and ash-smeared ascetics offered blessings among the devotees, many of whom had journeyed for weeks to reach the event. This massive congregation also represents an opportunity for India’s Hindu nationalist government to showcase its connections to spirituality and culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the festival as a “divine occasion” that unites countless individuals in faith and devotion. Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister welcomed attendees to celebrate “unity in diversity” at what he termed the “world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering.”
Organizers have likened the scale of the Kumbh Mela to a temporary city, expecting visitor numbers to surpass the combined populations of the United States and Canada. With preparations in place for 350 to 400 million visitors, the logistics are staggering, leading organizers to prepare extensively, including erecting approximately 150,000 toilets and setting up community kitchens capable of feeding up to 50,000 people simultaneously.
Around the riverbank in Prayagraj, a vast sea of tents has emerged, showcasing both luxurious accommodations and simpler setups. Participants like Jaishree Ben Shahtilal shared their extraordinary journeys, having traveled with neighbors in a convocation of buses for three days to reach the holy site.
Safety measures are robust, with Indian police conducting vigilant patrols to ensure security during the festival. A network of lost-and-found centers and an app have also been created to help reunite families amid the massive crowds.
With temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit), participants have carried on undeterred, attesting that their faith keeps them warm even in chilly water. Many believe that bathing in the holy rivers during the Kumbh Mela cleanses sins and leads to salvation, making the journey both a spiritual and transformative experience.
The Kumbh Mela festival continues to draw international attention as it embodies one of the largest religious gatherings in history, promising a vibrant atmosphere and deep spiritual connections for all who participate.
